Contemporary Society and Politics Journal

Legal Products and Political Configuration in Post-Amendment Indonesia: Narratives, Actors, and the Influence of the Digital Society

Muhammad Wahdini — 2025-06-28

This research discusses the dynamic relationship between political configuration, the character of legal products, and the role of the digital society in Indonesian legal politics post the Fourth Amendment of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. Two classical views on the relationship between law and politics, between law as a social controller and law as a product of societal dynamics, serve as a foundation for understanding contemporary realities. Mahfud MD's findings on the relationship between political configuration and the character of legal products indicate that political changes have direct consequences on the orientation of the regulations that emerge. However, this study highlights that the current political configuration is no longer solely determined by elites and formal structures, but also by a new force: the digital society. The emergence of actors such as influencers, online activists, and political buzzers marks a shift in the way the public participates and influences the course of legislation. On the other hand, the open digital space also presents threats in the form of polarization, disinformation, and digital oligarchy. Through a qualitative approach and literature study, this research finds that Indonesia's legal politics today are becoming increasingly complex, full of challenges, but also hold new hope for broader and more meaningful public participation. The implications of this study emphasize the importance of adaptive legal reforms, paying attention to digital dynamics, and strengthening media ethics as part of the Indonesian legal political ecosystem that upholds decency.

Assessing the Impact of Trump’s Economic Policy Strategies on Economic Reform in Indonesia

Teguh Luhuringbudi — 2025-06-26

This study focuses on the economic policy strategies implemented by Trump and their implications for economic reform in Indonesia, while also uncovering the multidimensional and complex interactions between foreign policy and its impact on the domestic economy. The purpose of this study is to understand the influence of Donald Trump's economic decisions on public behavior, as well as their suitability to policies in Indonesia. The data collection method was carried out using a qualitative approach, using literature studies and analysis of the applicable policy context. The data were analyzed through interdisciplinary nuances that include Public Choice Theory, Behavioral Economics, and Sustainable Economic Development, each of which provides thematic-impressive and case-impactful insights into the dynamics of policy and public response. Primary sources used in this study include academic reports, news articles, and analysis from experts in the field of political economy. The research findings prove that economic policies in the US can trigger sentiments and behavioral patterns that directly affect Indonesian society, especially in the context of dissatisfaction with local policies. The conclusion of this analysis boldly asserts that economic reform in Indonesia needs to capitalize on existing psychological and social factors. The novelty of this research is seen in the development of an analytical framework that links foreign economic policy with broader public responses, as well as the importance of public involvement in the decision-making process. Limitations of this research include the lack of specific quantitative data, and further research is recommended to explore the interaction between policies from other countries and their impacts on Indonesian society more holistically, both directly and indirectly.

The Influence of Government External Debt on Indonesia’s Economic Growth

Romi Hidayat — 2025-06-28

This study aims to analyze the impact of government external debt on Indonesia’s economic growth. The research is grounded in the phenomenon of increasing dependence among developing countries, including Indonesia, on external financing sources as a means to support national development funding. However, the relationship between external debt and economic growth remains a subject of academic debate, as empirical findings on this issue tend to be contradictory. The study employs a quantitative approach using time series data. The data utilized are secondary in nature, obtained from official reports on Indonesia’s external debt. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24, applying classical assumption tests and multiple linear regression analysis. The results indicate that the external debt variable has a significant effect on Indonesia’s economic growth. This is evidenced by a regression coefficient of 13.280 and a significance level of 0.000, which is below the standard significance threshold of α = 0.05. Accordingly, the null hypothesis (H₀) is rejected, and the alternative hypothesis (H₁) is accepted. This suggests that government external debt makes a substantial contribution to the dynamics of national economic growth. The study affirms that in the Indonesian context, external debt can function as a supportive instrument for economic development, provided it is managed prudently and allocated toward productive sectors that have a direct impact on long-term economic growth.

Digital Dilemma: The Cognitive Impact of Social Media on Early Childhood in Rural Communities

Purni Utami — 2025-06-28

The use of social media among early childhood populations has increased significantly, including in rural communities, in line with technological advancements and growing internet accessibility. This study analyzes the impact of social media on early childhood development using a qualitative-descriptive approach through observation and interviews, and is interpreted through Albert Bandura’s social learning theory. The primary focus of this research is to explore how social media influences the cognitive aspects and socialization processes of children in rural settings, particularly in Lekor Village, Janapria District, Central Lombok Regency. The findings reveal a dualistic influence of social media. On the one hand, social media functions as an informal learning tool that enhances children's early cognitive abilities, encourages them to stay indoors, and provides both entertainment and educational content that supports the development of verbal memory. In settings where peer interaction is limited, social media often serves as a substitute for social companionship. On the other hand, social media has emerged as a new agent of socialization that carries significant risks. Young children tend to imitate behaviors portrayed in digital content that may not align with local cultural values. Negative effects identified include poor communication skills, impulsive behavior, disrupted sleep and eating patterns, anxiety, materialistic tendencies, and exposure to inappropriate content. This study underscores the urgent need for community-based digital literacy initiatives and active supervision by parents and local authorities to ensure that social media functions as an educational resource rather than a source of developmental dysfunction in early childhood.